Chemistry IA Format and Structure
Introduction:
1. Include a brief overview of the topic and its importance - what is the compound being
studied? Where/how is it used?
2. State the personal or global significance of the topic - what made you choose this and
why is it an important topic to investigate?
3. Briefly introduce the main device or reaction used in the experiment and state why this is
the most appropriate method to use for the experiment (for example, burette titration, UV
spectroscopy, pH meter, iodometric titration, colourimetry, etc).
4. The introduction should be around 0.5 - 1 page.
5. Example: This IA has a good introduction since it briefly introduces the topic of a
catalyst's effect on activation energy, as well as the global significance of the
environmental uses of chemical catalysts. It also discusses the main reaction used which
is a variation of the iodine clock experiment, and the introduction is around 0.5 pages
long.
Research question:
1. State the main research question of the experiment including the independent and
dependent variables.
2. Make sure to include units for the independent and dependent variables.
3. If the independent variable doesn't have units, for example when measuring the amount
of a compound in different brands (eg: caffeine in different tea brands, vitamin C in
different supplement brands), make sure to state all the names of the brands alongside
the independent variable.
4. Include how the dependent variable will be quantified and measured (instrument name
or method). Explain why this instrument or method is best for the respective dependent
variable.
5. An example research question should look like this: "To what extent does the time that
spinach is cooked (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 minutes) affect its Vitamin C content (in milligrams), as
measured by an iodometric titration?"
6. Example: This IA has a good research question as it clearly states the research
question, units of the dependent variables, and names of all the types of independent
variables used (types of superfood) since the independent variable doesn't have units.
Background information:
1. Describe the structure of the main molecule being analyzed. Talk about what properties
of the molecule (polarity, functional groups, etc.) make it suitable for the method of
analysis used.
2. If the molecule is something that is able to be consumed (eg; caffeine, vitamin C)
describe the effects of this molecule on the body. What are the pros and cons of having
too much or too little of this compound in the body?
3. Discuss the reagent being used to react with the main molecule (eg: dichloromethane
used in caffeine extraction, iodine and starch used in vitamin C analysis). What aspects
of its structure or reactivity make it a suitable reagent to use for your experiment?
4. Include any equations that are relevant to the chemical reactions that will occur during
the experiment.
5. All the background information included should be directly focused on the research
question. For example for vitamin C analysis, you can briefly mention how it is found in
citrus fruits, but don't spend more than 3-4 sentences talking about fruit rather than the
chemistry behind the experiment.
6. Include relevant diagrams if applicable. Don't forget to provide a figure caption and cite
the source of the diagram.
7. Include in-text citations throughout the background information section.
8. Example: This IA has good background information since it describes the chemistry
behind the main reaction (iodine clock reaction) well, and provides the relevant
equations for the reactions occurring. It includes relevant diagrams such as the
Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution and the Arrhenius graph. The background information
section is directly focused on the research question and contains in-text citations where
applicable.
Variables:
1. Include the independent variable and units. Describe why the range of independent
variables was chosen. For example, why was the concentration of acid chosen as 0.1-32
M instead of 1-5M? You should justify why you have chosen specific values over others.
2. Include the dependent variable, units, instrument with which it will be measured, and the
uncertainty. For example, in vitamin C analysis you could write "Dependent variable:
Amount of Vitamin C in grams, measured using a weighing balance (±0.01 g)".
3. Add a table of control variables, including how each variable is controlled and why it is
controlled.
4. Example: This IA has a good variables section since the independent variable is clearly
stated with its units and how it will be controlled, the dependent variable is stated with its
units and how it will be measured, and a table of control variables is present that stated
why and how each variable will be controlled.
Equipment:
1. Create a list of all the apparatus and equipment used in the experiment.
2. Ensure to include uncertainties for all relevant instruments (eg: pipettes, burettes,
weighing balances, etc).
3. Include the concentrations of all standard solutions used.
4. Include a labelled image of the experimental setup (however you could also include an
image in the method section).
5. Example: All glassware and equipment are stated with their uncertainties, and all
chemicals are stated with their concentrations or pH.
Method:
1. Write down each step of the method exactly as it was performed in the lab.
2. Use a narrative tone when writing the method and not a first-person tone. For example,
you should write "Prepare a solution of ....." rather than writing "I prepared a solution
of......".
3. Include a risk assessment table at the end of the method, outlining the safety, ethical and
environmental concerns of the experiment.
4. Example: All steps of the method are accurately noted down in the narrative tone and
no first-person voice has been used. A risk assessment section has been included at the
end which accounts for safety, ethical and environmental concerns.
Results:
1. Include a table of the processed data from the experiment. Include a number and
caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells.
2. Add a section for qualitative data if applicable (eg: colour changes, temperature
changes).
3. Ensure all data in tables has the appropriate number of significant figures and decimal
places.
4. Include a sample equation and calculation showing how the data is processed. Do this
for each type of calculation used (eg: calculating averages, calculating molarity, etc).
5. Place the rest of the processed data in a new processed data table. Include a number
and caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells.
6. Include a sample calculation for the propagation of uncertainties, and place the rest of
the uncertainties for the other values in a table with a caption. After calculating the
uncertainties, include a description of what they mean in relation to the data. Is the
uncertainty small or large? What does this mean about the error and validity of the
results?
7. Include a graph of the processed data versus the independent variable. Include a graph
title, axis titles and units, and provide a figure caption for the graph. Include a paragraph
below the graph describing the trends in the data such as the correlation if linear
(positive or negative) and the R^2 value.
8. Example: A table of qualitative data, raw data and processed data has been included.
All tables have a number and figure caption. Sample calculations are shown for each
type of equation used. An appropriate graph has been included as well as a percent
error calculation.
Conclusion:
1. State the aim of the experiment to refresh the reader's memory.
2. Discuss the trends in the graph and how they correspond to the research question. For
example, instead of just saying the rate of reaction increased with temperature, you
could say the rate of reaction increased from 5.2 cm3/s to 10.8 cm3/s as temperature
was increased from 20-60 degrees Celsius.
3. Discuss the extent to which the research question was answered - was it answered fully
or only partially?
4. Discuss the R^2 value of the graph (if the data is linear) and how it describes the
strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
5. Describe if there are any anomalies in the data, and give reasons as to why these may
have occurred.
6. Compare your experimental values to literature values to strengthen your conclusion.
Include in-text citations for the literature source.
7. Discuss the impact of uncertainties - were they a significant amount of the experimental
values? (For example, 10g ± 0.01g is more acceptable than 10g ± 1g)
8. Example: The conclusion clearly re-states the aim of the essay, as well as a statement
to which the research question has been answered (results support the hypothesis).
Graphical trends and uncertainties are discussed in relation to the research question,
such as the relationship between the variables. The reliability of the data was also
discussed.
Evaluation:
1. Critically evaluate the results of the experiment and how they could be improved.
2. Include a list of the strengths of the experiment and the significance of each strength.
3. Include a table of the weaknesses of the experiment, as well as how they impacted the
results and how to improve this in future.
4. Make sure to account for random, systematic and human errors in the experiment, how
they affected the data, and how this can be corrected in future.
5. Finally, provide some extensions for the experiment. These should be some topics that
relate to or build off the main topic. For example, for the vitamin C analysis of
vegetables, you could say how in future you could measure the amount of other vitamins
in that particular food, such as vitamins A, B, D, etc. You could also discuss what would
happen if some of the control variables of the experiment were used as the dependent
variables instead.
6. Example: A table of strengths and weaknesses is included, along with considerations for
random and systematic error. An extension has also been provided for the experiment
(eg: using higher temperatures).
References:
1. Include a full list of all the references used in the IA.
2. Ensure the bibliography is in the same citation style used in the introduction and
background information section.
3. Example: A full reference list has been included and is in the same citation style as used
in the introduction and background information sections.
Chemistry IA Criteria and Checklist
Criterion A: Research Design - 6 points
This criterion consists of several key components to ensure a well-structured investigation
process. Firstly you must introduce a well-defined topic and state a research question. Add
contextual background information to demonstrate your knowledge and facilitate understanding
of the investigation for the reader. Provide definitions, and characteristics of the chemical
components, explain the chemical processes etc. You are expected to select a suitable
methodology that will ensure the reliability and adequacy of the obtained results. Justify the
chosen methodology, list the necessary apparatus, and outline the sequential steps for
conducting the research. Attention should also be given to safety, ethical, and environmental
considerations throughout the report.
For a maximum of 6 points:
● The research question must state the dependent and independent variables or two
correlated variables and briefly describe the system in which the research question is
embedded - describe the method of analysis.
● Discuss background theory of direct relevance to the research question.
● Explain the selection of methods for measuring the independent and dependent
variables.
● If data is obtained through the school's large-scale activity, treat the investigation as a
database investigation and focus the methodology on the way the data is filtered and
sampled from the whole database.
● Explain the selection of the database or the method of data sampling.
● Discuss decisions regarding the scope, quantity, and quality of measurements, for
example, the range, interval or frequency of the independent variable, repetition and
precision of measurements.
● Identify the control variables and explain the method and reason of control.
● Address the safety, ethical and environmental issues associated with the investigation.
● Ensure the methodology includes precise procedural steps and names of materials, and
is detailed enough to allow for the investigation to be reproduced.
● Avoid including unnecessary or repetitive information in the methodology so the reader
may easily understand how the methodology was implemented.
Criterion B: Data Analysis - 6 points
Your analysis should include the selection, processing, and interpretation of data to formulate
conclusions regarding the topic of your study. What is crucial here is obtaining a sufficient
amount of raw data capable of supporting arguments. it is equally important to take into account
the accuracy in data processing thus considering measurement uncertainties. After having
obtained the data, explore trends, patterns, and anomalies. Interpret them to formulate a valid
conclusion. Graphical forms of interpretation such as graphs can be useful for observing the
trends.
For a maximum of 6 points:
● Clearly communicate how the data was recorded and processed so that all steps are
easily understood.
● Communicate how the data was recorded and processed in a precise manner. All
graphs, tables and figures are appropriately annotated and the correct units, decimal
places and significant figures are used.
● Show evidence of appropriate consideration of uncertainties.
● The work should not have any major inaccuracies, omissions, or inconsistencies that
would prevent or limit the possibility of drawing a valid conclusion.
● The processing of the data is relevant to the research question and is carried out
appropriately and accurately.
Criterion C: Conclusion - 6 points
You are expected to formulate a conclusion answering your research question based on the
obtained findings and scientific context. Ensure to use experimental values from the data
analysis in the conclusion and critically evaluate the data. You should ensure that you provide a
comparison of your experimental values to literature results.
For a maximum of 6 points:
● Provide a conclusion that is relevant to the research question and is consistent with the
data analysis presented.
● Ensure that the conclusion is fully supported and justified by the data analysis results.
● Include a relevant comparison to the accepted scientific literature such as published
papers, values, course notes, textbooks, or other outside sources (paper or online).
● Provide a sufficiently detailed citation of the published materials to allow these sources
to be traceable.
● Include the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties.
Criterion D: Evaluation - 6 points
Deepen the evaluation through the discussion of the strengths, weaknesses, and
methodological issues of the report. Outline their influence on the findings and present
suggestions for improving and extending the investigation.
For a maximum of 6 points:
● Discuss the relevant strengths of the report and investigation.
● Identify specific methodological weaknesses or limitations.
● Explain the relative impacts of the methodological weaknesses regarding the control of
variables, the precision of measurement, or the variation in the data.
● Explain the relative impacts of the methodological weaknesses regarding the conclusion
being limited in scope by the range of the data collected, the confines of the system, or
the applicability of the assumptions made.
● Identify realistic improvements to the investigation that are relevant to the identified
weaknesses or limitations.
● Explain the proposed improvements to the investigation.
Other Requirements
Maintain a clear structure of the essay, keep within the 3000-word limit, and ensure that the text
is justified and data is centred in tables' cells.
● Ensure the work does not surpass 3000 words.
● The title of the investigation must be stated at the start of the report.
● The IB candidate code for the individual (or group members if applicable) is provided at
the beginning of the document.
● Ensure the word count is stated at the start of the work.
● Make sure the text is justified in the document, and all text and data are centered in the
tables' cells.
● All pages must be numbered.
Samples IAs
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https://www.clastify.com/ia/chemistry/65e9e37f4212df8643ad0133
https://www.clastify.com/ia/chemistry/65e9e3574212df8643acf115#
https://www.clastify.com/ia/chemistry/65e9e3574212df8643acf115
https://www.clastify.com/ia/chemistry/65e9e3a14212df8643ad0fb6
https://www.clastify.com/ia/chemistry/65e9e37f4212df8643ad0133#
